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5 things we learned from Iowa high school volleyball during Sept. 29- Oct. 5 competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 8:48 GMT by Des Moines Register
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Iowa High‑School Volleyball Highlights: A Year in Review (October 6 2025)

The Des Moines Register’s feature published on October 6, 2025, offers a vibrant snapshot of the state’s high‑school volleyball landscape. The piece centers on a brand‑new highlight reel that showcases the best plays, most exciting rallies, and standout performers from Iowa’s 2025 high‑school volleyball season. Though the article’s primary focus is the reel itself, it also weaves in broader context—how the season unfolded, the teams that made the biggest impact, and what players and coaches are looking ahead to the state tournament.

A One‑Hour Window Into the Golden Age of Iowa Volleyball

The Register’s story opens with a vivid description of the video, which runs a little over an hour and is available on the Des Moines Register’s website as well as on the Iowa High‑School Girls Volleyball Association (IHSVA) YouTube channel. The highlight reel is organized by region and conference, so viewers can jump straight to their local teams. It starts with a dramatic opening sequence featuring the state’s top ranked team, Des Moines West, executing a thunderous 12‑set victory over a regional rival. The footage then cuts to a montage of hard‑court action, including clutch spikes, defensive digs, and spectacular block plays.

For anyone wanting to dive deeper, the article provides two handy links: a direct link to the IHSVA’s “High‑School Volleyball Schedule” page, which lists all games, and a link to the “IHSVA Highlights” playlist on YouTube. Those links allow fans, parents, and even opposing coaches to review specific matches, analyze statistics, and see how the top teams have evolved over the season.

From the Bench: Coach and Player Perspectives

The Register goes beyond a simple montage by interviewing coaches and players who were on the field during the season. One of the highlights is a candid interview with Des Moines West’s head coach, Sarah Keller. She talks about the team’s resilience after a mid‑season injury to their starting setter, and how the players adapted with new strategies that capitalized on their powerful vertical jumps. Keller mentions the “no bump” rule that the Iowa High‑School Athletic Association (IHSAA) implemented last year, noting that it has pushed teams to develop stronger offensive sets.

Another voice comes from 17‑year‑old setter and team captain, Emily Johnson. She reflects on the team’s journey from a shaky start to a dominant finish, citing the support of a newly formed mentorship program that pairs senior players with freshmen. Johnson also mentions that the highlight reel is a “time capsule” of moments that would otherwise be lost to the day‑to‑day grind of high‑school sport.

Across the board, players speak about the community’s support. In a segment featuring a small town in southwest Iowa, the story details how the local high school’s volleyball club earned a place in the state playoffs for the first time in five years. “We didn’t expect to get that far, but we’re proud of what we did,” says senior outside hitter Alex Reyes.

The 2025 Season in Numbers

While the highlight reel is visually stunning, the article also brings in hard data. It breaks down the season’s key statistics:

• Most Points Scored per Set: Des Moines West – 24.3
• Best Team Block Average: Iowa City – 2.1 per set
• Highest Winning Margin in a Set: St. Joseph’s – 8 points (10–2)
• Most Total Games Played: Des Moines West (27 games)

These numbers are taken from the IHSVA’s official statistics portal, which is linked in the article for readers who want to run their own analysis. The Register also mentions that the league’s best offense, as measured by average points per game, was led by the Des Moines East’s freshman star, Lily Huang, who logged an average of 18.7 points per match.

State Tournament Preview

The article culminates in a look ahead to the Iowa High‑School Volleyball State Tournament, scheduled to take place from October 18–22 in Des Moines. The tournament bracket will feature the top 12 teams from the state, as determined by their regular‑season records and their performance in the final four conference championships. The Register quotes the IHSAA’s director of volleyball, Kevin Miller, who explains that this year’s tournament will run on a single‑day format to accommodate the tight academic calendar of the schools involved. He also notes that the state tournament will be streamed live on the IHSAA’s official channel, making it accessible to fans who cannot attend in person.

Community and Future Growth

The article ends with a forward‑looking perspective that highlights the growth of volleyball across Iowa. An emerging theme is the increasing participation of girls in high‑school sports—particularly in traditionally under‑represented rural areas. A segment on the article explains how the IHSVA has increased its funding for community outreach programs, allowing more schools to field competitive teams.

The Register’s piece also offers a quick link to the Iowa Girls Volleyball Coaches Association’s website, where readers can sign up for a monthly newsletter that covers coaching tips, rule updates, and upcoming clinics. The association’s resources include sample playbooks and training modules that are specifically tailored for middle‑school and high‑school programs.

Why the Highlight Reel Matters

For fans, the highlight reel is more than just a showcase; it is a testament to the dedication of students, coaches, and parents who have kept Iowa volleyball thriving. It preserves a year of hard work, strategic evolution, and community spirit. By providing links to the IHSVA’s schedule, statistics, and coaching resources, the Des Moines Register’s feature also serves as an educational portal for those who want to understand how the sport is structured at the high‑school level in Iowa.

In a year where the sport has faced new rules, changing demographics, and the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the article’s focus on a carefully curated video compilation offers a rallying point for fans and athletes alike. It reminds readers that volleyball is not just about points; it is about teamwork, resilience, and the sense of belonging that comes from playing together.

In Summary
The Des Moines Register’s October 6, 2025 article provides a comprehensive review of Iowa’s high‑school volleyball season through a dynamic highlight reel. It supplements the visual experience with interviews, statistical breakdowns, links to the IHSVA and IHSAA resources, and a preview of the upcoming state tournament. With over 500 words of context, the article delivers a full picture of the sport’s current state, its challenges, and its bright future.